UFC became one of the first live sports back in the wake of COVID-19, returning with a blockbuster interim lightweight title fight between Tony Ferguson and Justin Gaethje that justified the hype and then some.
WHO ever thought it would be Justin Gaethje that revived world sport?
But in an empty Florida arena, the UFC lightweight did it.Better too, in devastating fashion. Despite being largely unknown among the wider Australian sports public, Gaethje has gone and broken the COVID-19 drought at UFC 249 in a swirl of right hands, left hooks and devastating leg kicks.
In the process, claiming the interim lightweight title in an upset against Tony Ferguson.
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Truly, what better way to spend Mother’s Day?Indeed, after what seems like years with nothing but the nags and old NRL games to keep us sports nuts going, the UFC held a blockbuster card in Jacksonville, Florida that undoubtedly lived up to the hype.
Prior to the event, UFC president Dana White told The Daily Telegraph he expected two, maybe three “holy s…” moments from the card.But c’mon, there were that many in the main event alone.
A fight where Gaethje, entering the empty arena as a tattooed underdog, went and scored an overwhelming upset over Ferguson with a devastating fifth round stoppage. When the end came, the No.1 contender was still on his feet.How?
Nobody quite knows. Or not unless you were to cut open his head and find Kandos cement.
Yet midway through the fifth, referee Herb Dean correctly waved off the fight after Ferguson was rocked, and wobbled, for what would be the last of who the hell knows how many times.
Undoubtedly, Gaethje dominated throughout this incredible war.And while Ferguson survived all sorts of punishment, dished out some of his own, and continually came forward like some sort of zombie flick extra, the American once again falls agonisingly short of a gold belt that for so long has seemed his.
The shock win also now gives Gaethje (22-2) the right to fight champ Khabib Nurmagomedov, who was unable to compete at UFC 249 because of travel restrictions.
And you don’t reckon Arizona native is ready for that?
Elsewhere, UFC bantamweight champ Henry Cejudo defended his own title against Dominic Cruz, who was back after an absence of three years, in the co-main, then sensationally announced his retirement.
But does the champ dubbed Triple C really mean it?
Who knows.Regardless, world sport is undoubtedly back.
A truth proved at the finish, not be any of the victors, but Ferguson.
The fighter who was bloodied, beaten and, once again, leaving the Octagon without a belt.Who looking down a TV camera to who knows how many fans watching on, said: “We did this for you … to bring sports back”.
Ferguson v Gaethje
Round 5
Gaethje. Wow.
Both men throwing hands but it's the underdog who lands the biggest punches early, including a big left hand.
Ferguson is getting beat up now.
Gaethje lands with left. With the right. How is Ferguson still here? Honestly. Lands a left. Ferguson rocked … struggling … referee calls it … Ferguson stopped on his feet … Gaethje with the upset.
Justin Gaethje with an amazing fifth round TKO.
Impressive stoppage too by Herb Dean.
Yes, Ferguson was still on his feet but, undeniably, he was done.
Gaethje the new UFC interim lightweight champion. Incredible fight.
What an incredible way for the UFC to come back ….
Justin Gaethje with an amazing fifth round TKO.
Impressive stoppage too by Herb Dean.
Yes, Ferguson was still on his feet but, undeniably, he was done.
Gaethje the new UFC interim lightweight champion. Incredible fight.
What an incredible way for the UFC to come back ….
Ferguson v Gaethje
Round 5
Gaethje. Wow.
Both men throwing hands but it's the underdog who lands the biggest punches early, including a big left hand.
Ferguson is getting beat up now.
Gaethje lands with left. With the right. How is Ferguson still here? Honestly. Lands a left. Ferguson rocked … struggling … referee calls it … Ferguson stopped on his feet … Gaethje with the upset.
Ferguson v Gaethje
Round 4
Gaethje continues to land. Short of pulling out a crowbar, you wonder how he finishes this. Is it possible?
Ferguson front kick. He just refuses to go away. Both men throwing. Both landing.
Gaethje looking good with leg kicks. Then Ferguson hurt — from a big right hand. Wobbled. But comes back. Again.
Now Gaethje cops one in the dusters. Brief pause. Goes again. Happy Mothers Day.
Both fighters exchanging again. Gaethje lands another leg kick.
I have all four for Gaethje but it could be three-one. Regardless, Fergo needs to find a finish.
Ferguson v Gaethje
Round 3
Ferguson right eyes welling up. Cut underneath. This is problematic for him. Ferguson uppercut. The big Gaethje right hand. Both men landing now. Gaethje big right hand again. Both men landing again. Ferguson is bleeding. But going nowhere.
Great fight.
Wasn't ever going to be anything else.
Gaethje sticks a high kick, then a left hook. I have it three-zip for Gaethje.
Ferguson v Gaethje
Round 2
Gaethje lands again early. But that Ferguson chin is no joke. Which over the opening 90 seconds gets tested again. And again.
Gaethje's left hand is landing. But Ferguson isn't going anywhere.
Again Gaethje lands, this time a right hand. And again Ferguson moves nowhere.
Then, at the end of the round … massive Ferguson uppercut. Huge right hand. Gaethje drops.
Bell. Gaethje 20-18.
Ferguson v Gaethje
Round 1
Opening seconds are like when a grenade lands … and you're waiting for the explosion, writes Nick Walshaw.
Ferguson lands hands early. And heavy.
Then Gaethje responds. Ferguson lands some kicks. Gaethje right hand. And another.
Close round. Gaethje 10-9
Ferguson v Gaethje
Round 1
Opening seconds are like when a grenade lands … and you're waiting for the explosion, writes Nick Walshaw.
Ferguson lands hands early. And heavy.
Then Gaethje responds. Ferguson lands some kicks. Gaethje right hand. And another.
Close round. Gaethje 10-9
And finally … we're at the main event that not even COVID-19 could stop: Tony Ferguson versus Justin Gaethje for the UFC interim lightweight title.